Greetings from Doc Judie
Spring is final here, what a wonderful time to celebrate Earth Day coming up.
It is a day that I give thanks for the beauty of the earth and the simple pleasure of breathing clean crisp spring air. If you have read enough of my blogs, you will know that I love to garden. I find it almost impossible to be anxious or depressed when I am pruning trees, raking the winter leaves off the lawn, or planting new seedlings. There is a study that connects a sense of well being with the microbes in the soil. So hands and feet touching the earth is good physical exercise and calms you down mentally-a double blessing.
Here is my spring ritual, one that I actually repeat often throughout the year, regardless of the season. When you have been cooped up in the house (we spend over 85% of our lives indoors) it is time to go outside. Watch little kids or house pets; they just can't stand it any longer and hang around the front door waiting for you to let them out! You probably feel that way too.
I have the luxury of living in the Sierras There is beauty all round me from alpine lakes to mountain ranges to green meadows and thick forests. I don't have to go far to find beauty, it is as close as my backyard. I hope you have a setting close to nature, but if not, take a short ride to a park, a lake, or even a thicket of trees and breathe in some clean air that is not filled with pollution. Do this especially if you feel anxious, depressed or if you have a heavy heart for some reason.
Empty your mind and come up with your own self hypnosis script of feeling invigorated as you stand or sit still for just a minute.When you are ready start to breathe. Take your first breath slow and easy, inhale through your nose for a count of four; and release through your mouth for a count of eight. Exhale deeply into your belly and really empty yourself out. Do this ten times and visualize all of that clean crisp spring air going through your heart. Feel a sense of gratitude for what is good in your life and as you do, you will feel the heaviness in your heart lift.
That is the gift of life from planet Earth, fresh air to breathe. Feel it on the outside of your body and circulating all the way through your brain and body. Nature will heal your heart.
Here's to your physical and mental health. Happy Earth Day
Doc Judie
775 7823889 judie@docjudie.com
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